Scarlet Sunrise: Butkus list includes all Ohio State starting linebackers

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Butkus list includes all Ohio State starting linebackers

Ohio State is loaded with talent at linebacker this season. The Buckeyes could have a seven-man rotation this season and never have a drop off.

The Buckeyes linebackers were validated Monday when the Butkus Award preseason watch list came out, and three Ohio State linebackers were on the list. No other school had three linebackers on the watch list.

Soon-to-be three-time captain Tuf Borland, three-year starter Pete Werner and five-star do-it-all linebacker Baron Browning were all named to the Butkus Award preseason watch list. All three will be stars for the Buckeyes, and they could be three of the best linebackers in the Big Ten this upcoming season.

Ohio State should have one of the best defenses in the country again this season, and that is in large part due to three superstar linebackers in the middle of the defense. The preseason watch list proves that.

New Lettermen Live hosted by Roosters

Lettermen Live is back for another fun, casual Ohio State conversation Monday at Roosters.

The panel, driven by Lettermen Row senior writer Austin Ward, breaks down the Ohio State secondary as part of Defensive Backs Week. Ohio State reporter Stephanie Otey and former Buckeyes Doug Worthington and Justin Zwick talk about who could break out in the secondary, which sleepers could make a leap toward stardom and how the unit will look moving forward in an uncertain season.

The group also analyzes the latest release of preseason award watch lists, which Buckeyes have a chance to win those awards and who was snubbed from the watch lists.

Denzel Burke joins Birminology

Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro 4-star athlete Denzel Burke committed to the Buckeyes without making a visit to Columbus just two months after TreVeyon Henderson did it.

Henderson made waves when he did it; Burke’s decision wasn’t as publicized, but that doesn’t bother the soft-spoken prospect from the Southwest. He’s stayed pretty mum about his recruitment since announcing his decision and has turned his full attention to getting himself ready for life with the Buckeyes. That’s important for the 6-foot, 190-pound, two-way player — far more than the hoopla that surrounds recruiting and social media. Burke has never focused on playing defensive back, and since that’s where he’ll line up for Ohio State, his free time is all about that pursuit.

When will Denzel Burke and his family get to Ohio for the first time? Which former Buckeyes defensive backs does he watch as he prepares for his journey into the secondary? What does he think about the possible additon of another cornerback in the Class of 2021?

Burke joined Lettermen Row recruiting expert Birm on the latest edition of Birminology.

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